BTC
+3.29%
70,874.00
USD
▲
MXN ≈ 1,242,043
cnbc.com
Oil drops 15% to below $80 after Energy Secretary says Navy escorted tanker through Strait of Hormuz
The International Energy Agency will hold an extraodrinary meeting on Tuesday to discuss a possible release of emergency stockpiles.
bbc.com
Calls grow for Reeves to ditch fuel tax hike over Iran
Reform UK has set out further detail of how it would cover the cost of scrapping September's planned rise.
cnbc.com
Russia told Trump it has not shared intelligence with Iran during war, Witkoff says
U.S. officials have said Russia has given Iran information that could help its forces strike U.S. military assets in the Middle East, MS Now has reported.
theguardian.com
Middle East crisis could push UK inflation back up to 3%, warns OBR
Government economic watchdog believes pressure on energy prices could push rate close to 3% by end of 2026UK inflation could end the year higher than previously expected at 3% because of the US-Israel war in Iran, the government’s economics watchdog has warned.David Miles, a senior figure at the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), said inflation could end the year close to 3% – a percentage point higher than expected before the war – because of the energy price shock triggered by the crisis in the Middle East. The UK’s official inflation target is 2%. Continue reading...
bbc.com
How the Iran war may affect your money and bills
The conflict in the Middle East could raise the cost of petrol, household energy bills and even food.
bbc.com
Oil and gas prices fall after Trump says war is 'very complete'
The US president's comments lead to a drop in crude costs and a rebound in shares.
cnbc.com
European stocks jump 2% as sliding oil prices buoy sentiment
European equities rebounded on Tuesday as traders continued to watch developments in the Middle East.
theguardian.com
How are EU and member states reacting to energy crisis triggered by Iran war?
Prospect of Trump easing US sanctions on Russian oil is a nightmare for the bloc as nations work out how to respond Middle East crisis – live updatesThe Iran war has thrown global oil and gas flows into chaos and the prospect of Donald Trump easing US sanctions on Russian oil to fill the gap is causing a nightmare for the EU.The European Council president, António Costa, who represents the EU’s leaders, said on Tuesday the only winner from the ongoing conflict would be Vladimir Putin, who could step into the gap created by the throttling of Gulf supplies. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Pipeline of new drugs to fight superbugs is ‘worryingly thin’, experts warn
UK’s GSK is leading the way in research but AstraZeneca is not involved in the area, report findsThe pipeline of new drugs to fight superbugs remains “worryingly thin” and has shrunk by 35% in the last five years, experts have said, predicting the annual number of deaths linked to drug-resistant infections globally will double to 8 million by 2050.The number of antimicrobial projects from large pharma companies has shrunk by 35% over the past five years, from 92 to 60 medicines in development, according to a report from the Access to Medicine Foundation (AMF), a Netherlands-based non-profit group, backed by the Wellcome Trust. Only five medicines are in development for children under five, who are more vulnerable to infections. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
London tube drivers to strike across 12 days in spring, says RMT
Union opposed to London Underground pushing ahead with four-day week planTube drivers in London are to strike across 12 days in the spring in a row over a four-day working week, the RMT has announced.The union said that London Underground bosses were pushing ahead with plans to condense the number of working days in the week, despite their members rejecting the proposals. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Keyboard jamming: the sneaky way to make your boss think you’re working from home
Got a keyboard, something heavy and a desire to put your feet up during office hours? This could be the scam for you. But beware – employers are fighting backName: Keyboard jamming.Age: Being workshy isn’t new. Diogenes the Cynic was famous not only for living in a barrel, but also for his rejection of ambition and employment. Continue reading...
bbc.com
'My heating oil costs have more than doubled since Iran war started'
BBC Your Voice hears from someone facing higher bills, as the chancellor says there is "price gouging" in the market.
cnbc.com
10-year Treasury yield is little changed as oil tumbles after Trump warns Iran over Hormuz flows
The 10-year Treasury yield was flat as oil prices tumbled after Trump warned that Iran would be hit harder if it tried to halt Strait of Hormuz shipments.
cnbc.com
Iran war: Hegseth says Tuesday 'will be our most intense day of strikes'
President Donald Trump on Monday had predicted that the war against Iran would be over "very soon," and warned that country against withholding oil afterward.
cnbc.com
IEA countries to meet later Tuesday on release of oil reserves, but no decision made yet
The IEA's members are advanced economies in North America, Europe and Northeast Asia. They collectively hold about 1.2 billion barrels of oil in reserve.
cnbc.com
South Korea opposed to U.S. moving air defense systems in the country to Middle East: President Lee
Lee maintained that even if the assets were moved out of the country, its deterrence capability against North Korea will not be affected.
bbc.com
Why the price of oil matters more than you might think
A shock to oil supplies is rattling financial markets, driving up prices at the pump and raising fears of a bigger economic hit.
cnbc.com
FDA approves leucovorin as first drug for rare genetic disorder, after touting it as autism treatment
The move comes months after the Trump administration touted leucovorin as a potential therapy for a broader group of patients with autism symptoms.
cnbc.com
Boaz Weinstein warns of private credit’s 'financial alchemy,' says problems are multiplying by the quarter
Saba, alongside Cox Capital Management, launched a tender offer to purchase shares in one of Blue Owl's non-traded private credit funds at a 34.9% discount.
cnbc.com
Iran defends strikes on Gulf neighbors — but they say trust is broken
Iran has defended its strikes against its Gulf countries but its neighbors say attacks have damaged trust for a long time.
cnbc.com
India's restaurants are under threat from the LPG supply crunch caused by the Iran war
Restaurants in India are facing closure as the government restricts the supply of LPG as cooking fuel, industry representatives tell CNBC.
theguardian.com
Aramco warns of oil market ‘catastrophe’ unless strait of Hormuz reopens soon
Saudi Arabian state oil firm calls crisis by far the biggest the region has seen but firm can reroute 70% of exports and tap crude held in storageBusiness live – latest updatesHow the Iran conflict could affect energy prices – video explainerSaudi Arabia’s state oil company has warned of “catastrophic consequences” for the world’s oil markets if the US-Israeli war with Iran continues to block shipping in the strait of Hormuz.The world’s biggest oil exporter expects to be able to supply the market with about 70% of its usual crude output despite the stranglehold on the vital trade artery, but its chief executive warned that there would still be “drastic” consequences for the world economy if the disruption continues. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
China exports sharply beat expectations as trade surplus in the first two months surges to highest on record
China typically combines January and February trade data to smooth distortions from the shifting Lunar New Year holiday.
cnbc.com
Swedish legaltech Legora hits $5 billion valuation as investors pile money into European AI startups
The announcement comes on the back of a bumper start to the week for European AI companies.
theguardian.com
Cathay Pacific offers £20,000 Sydney-London flight amid disruption in Gulf
Hong Kong-based airline has business-class return listed at A$39,577, as travellers seek routes avoiding Middle EastThe Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific is selling seats from Sydney to London for more than £20,000 in April, as passengers search for scarce long-haul flights without changing in the Middle East.The tickets, listed at A$39,577 in business class for returns departing in mid-April, far outstrip the usual fares charged even in the first-class cabin. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Crispin Odey was described as ‘sex pest’ by head of his hedge fund, court hears
Multimillionaire begins case against FCA ban over handling of investigation into sexual misconduct claimsThe multimillionaire financier Crispin Odey was described by the head of his hedge fund as a “sex pest” and blamed an incident in which he allegedly groped a female staff member’s breasts on a sedative he had taken, a tribunal has heard.The Brexit-backing hedge fund chief’s behaviour came under the microscope on the first day of a lawsuit he has brought against the financial services regulator over his exile from the City. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Spirit Airlines to recall furloughed pilots to combat attrition as carrier eyes bankruptcy exit
Spirit Airlines is reversing course on pilot furloughs after aviators left in high numbers for rival airlines.
cnbc.com
How the Iran war and rising energy prices are threatening semiconductor demand
A prolonged U.S.-Israel war against Iran could lead to shortages of key chipmaking materials and higher energy costs which could hurt semiconductor demand.
cnbc.com
Oracle earnings will show whether its expensive AI bet is starting to pay off
Oracle's $300 billion deal with OpenAI established it as a major player in AI cloud computing alongside Amazon, Google and Microsoft.
cnbc.com
Bill Ackman's Pershing Square files for IPO on the NYSE
The planned listing would give public investors a stake in Ackman's investment platform, which oversees a concentrated portfolio of large-cap companies
cnbc.com
Trump reiterates threat of a 'friendly takeover' of Cuba as fuel crisis deepens
The comments come less than a week after Trump suggested that his administration would turn its sights on Havana.
theguardian.com
How the Iran conflict could affect prices around the world – video explainer
Oil markets have had some of the steepest price rises ever recorded as conflict in the Middle East escalated over the last week. Although the world is slowly becoming greener, fossil fuels are still the lifeblood of every economy so when oil and gas prices rise, the effect ripples through almost every aspect of our financial lives. Jillian Ambrose, energy correspondent for the Guardian, explains how the conflict may affect global costs.Oil prices ‘could breach $100 a barrel within days’ amid supply disruption from Iran war Continue reading...
cnbc.com
As Iran war disrupts oil prices, consumers could be 'hammered,' economist says
The Iran war may impact U.S. consumers far beyond the gas pump, raising inflation expectations and causing an uptick in the yield on the 10-year Treasury note.
theguardian.com
VW to cut 50,000 jobs by 2030 amid Trump tariffs and falling Chinese sales
Car group reports 54% drop in pre-tax profits as it says Iran war could affect demand for Audi and Porsche brandsEurope’s largest automaker, Volkswagen, is to shed 50,000 jobs by the end of the decade, as it faces falling sales in China and North America and punitive US tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.The 10-brand group, whose luxury subsidiaries Porsche and Audi are also under pressure, said the jobs would go in Germany, affecting the entire group, as part of a restructuring drive amid the darkening global business climate. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Volkswagen to cut 50,000 jobs as profits drop
Europe's largest carmaker said post-tax profits had dropped to their lowest level since 2016.
bbc.com
Uber rolls out women-only option in the US
The feature allows both women riders and drivers to be matched with other women for trips on the ride-sharing app.
cnbc.com
Volkswagen flags a tough year ahead as 2025 profit halves on tariffs, China competition
Volkswagen reported a more than 50% drop in annual operating profit, citing the impact of U.S. tariffs, currency effects and a strategic shift at Porsche.
theguardian.com
Fifty years of sexing up tech: Apple’s epic hits – and misses
Remember the iPod? How about the Pippin? In the half-century since it launched its first PC, Apple has given us some amazing innovations. We round up its biggest triumphs and flopsFifty years after Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne founded the company in Jobs’ parents’ garage in Los Altos, California, Apple has become a behemoth, and billions of us use its products every day. From the first successful home computers with colour screens, to the iPod, to the smartphone that set the template for the modern mobile era, the company has repeatedly reset consumer expectations.As a result, the firm occupies a central position in the tech world, initiating trends and popularising products. Here are five of its most influential products from the past half-century – alongside some unusually big misses. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Stellantis taps Toyota, Bosch suppliers for hybrid technologies for new Jeeps
Jeep maker Stellantis is leaning on technologies from automotive suppliers for its newest hybrid vehicles, CNBC has learned.
theguardian.com
Iran war could knock UK homebuyer confidence, says builder Persimmon
Growing fears that elevated interest rates will continue, as Barclays finds worries that war will push up inflationBusiness live – latest updatesA leading British housebuilder has warned the Iran conflict could knock homebuyer sentiment, amid growing fears of a jump in inflation and a prolonged period of elevated interest rates.Persimmon said it was “monitoring the impact the conflict with Iran could have on our markets in 2026”, but noted that consumer sentiment could be sensitive amid more financial uncertainty. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Scrapping North Sea windfall tax would not reduce UK energy bills, say experts
Rachel Reeves said to be considering levy cuts for oil and gas firms, but economists say this would just fatten profitsEasing the windfall tax on the North Sea would do nothing for hard-pressed consumers, and merely fatten the profits of oil and gas companies, economists and experts have told the Guardian.Rachel Reeves, the UK chancellor, is understood to be considering reductions to the energy profits levy, or potentially scrapping it and replacing it with a lower duty. Oil prices rose to $100 a barrel on Monday, as the US-Israel offensive on Iran showed little sign of halting. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
China’s nudge, U.S. waiver and Iran tensions test India’s economic balancing act
India is trying to preserve its long-standing neutral foreign policy as escalating tensions around Iran threaten its oil supply and expose New Delhi to pressure from both Washington and Beijing.
cnbc.com
As the Iran war upends energy flows, Russia is emerging as the real winner
Russia is shaping up to be a major beneficiary of the escalating energy crisis in the Persian Gulf, analysts told CNBC.
cnbc.com
Iran war threatens catastrophic consequences for the oil market, Aramco CEO says
Saudi Aramco beats profit estimates and keeps $85 billion payouts as oil prices surge again.
theguardian.com
Millions in England to pay higher water bills after suppliers appeal
Anglian, Southern, Wessex and South East allowed to raise charges more than originally permitted by watchdogBusiness live – latest updatesMillions of households in England will pay even higher water bills than previously expected, after the competition regulator gave its final verdict on industry spending plans for the coming years.Five water companies had appealed to the Competition and Markets Authority to let them raise bills higher than was initially allowed by Ofwat, the industry watchdog. On Tuesday, the CMA said it would let four of them raise annual bills by an extra 2.65% on average. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
CNBC Daily Open: Markets recover as Trump hints Iran war is nearing its end
U.S. key benchmarks closed in the green after Trump signaled a near end to the Iran war.
cnbc.com
Nvidia plans open-source AI agent platform ‘NemoClaw’ for enterprises: Wired
Nvidia is planning to lean into the agentic AI craze and launch an open-source platform for AI agents called 'NemoClaw,' according to a report.
theguardian.com
Ryanair insists we failed to board a phantom flight
Airline has refused refund after our flight was diverted because of bad weather and we were left on the plane for six hoursI was on a Ryanair flight from Bristol to Dublin that took off during Storm Amy in October last year. It was unable to land at Dublin after two abortive attempts and was diverted to Manchester, where we sat on the plane for six hours, with no complimentary refreshments, before being unceremoniously ejected at nearly midnight.We were told Ryanair staff would organise taxis and hotels, but no crew disembarked with us, and the terminal was deserted. Continue reading...
bbc.com
China exports surge despite Trump tariffs
Official data shows shipments rose by 20% this year with growth in European and other Asia markets.
theguardian.com
Testing the waters: can pumping chemicals into the ocean help stop global heating?
To some it was a reckless experiment but scientists hope the dispersal of 65,000 litres of sodium hydroxide into the Gulf of Maine could ease the climate crisisFor four days last August, a thick slick of maroon bruised the waters of the Gulf of Maine. The scene, not unlike a toxic red tide, was the result of 65,000 litres of an alkaline chemical, tagged with a red dye, that had been deliberately pumped by scientists into the ocean.Though it sounds perverse, the event was part of a scientific experiment that could advance a technology to combat both global heating and ocean acidification. Ocean alkalinity enhancement (OAE), as the approach is called, acts like natural weathering, but on human – rather than geological – timescales. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
UK households that use heating oil face ‘frightening’ surge in bills over Iran war
Chancellor raises prospect of help after prices almost treble since start of conflict• How will war in the Middle East affect your finances?Rural households that rely on heating oil to warm their homes and provide hot water are facing a “sudden and frightening” surge in their bills, with prices almost trebling since the start of the Iran war.The cost of heating oil is not covered by Ofgem’s energy price cap and varies between suppliers. In examples seen by the Guardian, customers who were typically paying 62p a litre before the war are now being quoted about £1.73. Continue reading...
cnbc.com
Asia markets rebound as oil plunges after Trump signals Iran war might end 'soon'
Asia-Pacific markets rebounded from Monday's rout after oil prices fell and Wall Street bounced back.
bbc.com
How worried are Americans about rising petrol prices?
The BBC spoke to New Yorkers about how the conflict in Iran is driving up prices at the pump - and how it's impacting their wallets.
bbc.com
Faisal Islam: Trump comments may have eased oil price surge, but havoc remains
It has been the most volatile day of oil trading in world history, and there is much still to play out.
bbc.com
GPS jamming: The invisible battle in the Middle East
GPS jamming has made navigation hazardous in the Gulf, spurring efforts to develop alternatives.
theguardian.com
Why has the Iran war sparked fears of stagflation for the global economy?
Conflict in the Middle East risks knocking growth worldwide and boosting prices, economists warn, amid global market turbulenceMiddle East crisis – live updatesOil prices surged on Monday, triggering a stark sell-off across some of the world’s leading stock markets amid growing concern that the US-Israel war on Iran could set the stage for a global economic shock.While they fell back on Tuesday after Donald Trump suggested the Middle East conflict could end “very soon”, oil continues to trade at high levels. Continue reading...
bbc.com
G7 to take 'necessary measures' to support energy supplies
Finance ministers and the IEA discussed options for stabilising oil prices which surpassed $100.
bbc.com
Anthropic sues US government for calling it a risk
The artificial intelligence company has been in a public fight with US government leaders over use of its tools like Claude
theguardian.com
UK inflation likely to rise because of Middle East war, says Rachel Reeves
Chancellor says she is ready to help households with rising costs but stops short of setting out specific stepsMiddle East crisis – live updatesBritain is likely to be hit by rising inflation because of the US war with Iran, the chancellor has said, as she suggested a “rapid de-escalation” would be the best protection against a jump in energy prices.Rachel Reeves stopped short of setting out any new relief for people who could be hit by rising prices, rebuffing calls to ditch a planned 5p rise in fuel duty in September.The price of Brent crude oil rocketed to as high as $119.50 on Sunday, a jump of 29%.The Bank of England is now expected to keep interest rates on hold through 2026, with a small possibility of a rise in 2027.The prospect of a prolonged conflict and higher inflation also pushed global markets lower.The AA said drivers could “consider cutting out some non-essential journeys and changing their driving style to conserve fuel”. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
We may not be running out of gas but we still need a serious strategic gas reserve | Nils Pratley
While the set-up in Great Britain looks secure for now, the Iran war shows why more storage seems essential Alarmed that Great Britain has only enough gas in storage to cover two days of consumption? Actually, Michael Shanks, the energy minister, is right that the bald statistic is not a reason to run for the hills. But he would help his case if he admitted that the long era of running a “just-in-time” approach to gas supplies looks increasingly unworkable.Shanks is obviously correct that Great Britain does not source its supplies from storage. About 75% of our gas comes from the North Sea – from domestic fields and via the 725-mile underwater Langeled pipeline from Norway – and neither source is affected by the war in Iran. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on the Iran crisis exposing Britain’s energy vulnerability: clean power offers protection | Editorial
The war reveals Britain’s exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices. More North Sea drilling will not shield households, building domestic green energy willWhat should Britain do when war in the Middle East sends energy prices soaring? If the strait of Hormuz were blocked for the month of fighting that Donald Trump predicts, British households could face another brutal cost of living shock. Goldman Sachs warns of prices at the pump rising to 2022 levels. That would put more than 50p on each litre in the tank. Prolonged disruption to global gas supplies could see energy bills in the UK rise by £900 to £2,500 a year. Such uncertainty strengthens the case for going big on clean energy.Ed Miliband, the energy secretary, has grasped this reality. By contrast, the Conservatives and Reform UK are doubling down on domestic fossil fuel extraction. The debate is framed around a simple claim of energy security: drill more at home. But the argument is rhetorical. Britain might export a bit more crude and have a smidgen more gas. But it would still need to import refined fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Households would remain exposed to global energy shocks. Clean electricity, by contrast, cuts gas demand and reduces exposure to volatile markets. The political pressures are jobs, tax revenues and the economies of Scotland and north-east England tied to a declining asset.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Ben Jennings on Donald Trump, Iran and surging oil prices – cartoon
Discover and buy more of Ben’s cartoons hereOrder your own print of this cartoon from the Guardian Print Shop Continue reading...
theguardian.com
G7 ready to take ‘necessary measures’ over economic impact of Iran war
Finance ministers monitoring situation but stop short of agreeing to release emergency oil reservesHow high could oil prices go – and what might the global economic fallout be?Iran war drives oil prices above $100 a barrelThe G7 said it was ready to take “necessary measures” to address the economic impact of the US-Israel war on Iran, after a meeting prompted by soaring oil prices, which rose above $100 (£74) a barrel for the first time since 2022.Following a remote meeting on Monday, G7 finance ministers said they would closely monitor the situation but stopped short of agreeing to release emergency oil reserves. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Iran war impacts heating oil bills for homeowners
Some residents say they have seen prices more than double since the conflict started.
cnbc.com
Prediction markets face questions on Iran war bets, from regime change to nuclear detonation
Prediction markets are facing backlash over bets related to war, with Polymarket recently archiving some predictions on nuclear detonation.
theguardian.com
Roman Abramovich ready to fight UK government over proceeds from £2.5bn Chelsea sale
Russian oligarch says money is his to allocate despite international sanctions imposed on his assetsThe Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich has stepped up his row with the British government over the £2.5bn proceeds of his sale of Chelsea FC, insisting that the money is his to allocate despite the international sanctions imposed on his assets.The UK and EU imposed sanctions on Abramovich in 2022, freezing his assets in response to Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, citing his ties to Vladimir Putin’s regime. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
How will war in the Middle East affect your finances?
Surging energy prices and tumbling stock markets are threatening a new UK cost of living crisisWar in Middle East ‘could wipe out growth in UK living standards’The war in the Middle East is continuing to tighten the screw on the finances of people around the world. Stock markets have fallen and the oil price has surged over $100 a barrel for the first time in four years – fuelling fears of a new cost of living crisis.Here is how it could affect your bills, spending and investments if you live in the UK. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
From press release … to scrap metal site: the Essex ‘supercomputer’ that’s still a scaffolding yard
Nscale’s AI project still in use as depot ahead of pledged completion date – with planning permission filed after Guardian’s inquiriesRevealed: UK’s multibillion AI drive is built on ‘phantom investments’The press releases announcing a gleaming supercomputer on the outskirts of north London depict a glass and concrete building, rising from a tree-lined street. Accompanied by images of glowing blue robot faces, it looks like the centre of a technological revolution.By the end of this year, that artist’s impression is supposed to be a reality. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Rural households feel the pinch of war in Iran
North Yorkshire residents using oil tanks to fuel their homes say bills are soaring.
theguardian.com
Is the UK government prepared for oil price hikes? – podcast
Oil prices have already shot up thanks to the US-Israeli war in Iran. But what is the economic fallout likely to be? Will interest rates rise? What about inflation? Could the cost of borrowing increase – and by how much? Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss how the cost of living might be hit and the political implications of that Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Lengthy US-Iran war would affect ‘lives and households of everybody’, says Starmer
Ministers understood to be considering ways to mitigate rising energy bills as oil prices surpass $100 a barrelMiddle East crisis – live updatesUK politics live – latest updatesKeir Starmer has said that a long-term US-Iran war would affect the “lives and households of everybody”, as the head of the AA advised motorists against making “non-essential” journeys.On Monday, oil prices surged past $100 (£75) a barrel for the first time since 2022, which will feed through to higher costs at petrol stations, and consumers will also be hit if energy costs push up inflation. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Six ways the Iran war could affect you - in charts
With fuel and gas prices having risen in recent days, here are some ways the conflict could affect households.
bbc.com
How high could UK petrol and diesel prices go?
For every $10 rise in oil prices, motorists face paying roughly 7p per litre more in the UK.
theguardian.com
UK interest rate cuts unlikely this year amid Iran war – and a rise could be ahead
Markets predict Bank of England will hold rates in 2026 as bond yields soar on forecasts of prolonged conflictIran war drives oil prices above $100 a barrelBusiness live – latest updatesUK interest rates are not expected to be cut this year and could even rise next summer, according to financial markets, in a dramatic reversal of forecasts before the US-Israel war on Iran.Markets data on Monday showed that investors predict the Bank of England will most likely keep its base rate on hold at 3.75% for the remainder of the year, and would raise them to 4% next June. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
How AI firm Anthropic wound up in the Pentagon’s crosshairs
Standoff with DoD over Claude chatbot reignites debate over how AI will be used in war – and who will be held accountableUntil recently, Anthropic was one of the quieter names in the artificial intelligence boom. Despite being valued at about $350bn, it rarely generated the flashy headlines or public backlash associated with Sam Altman’s OpenAI or Elon Musk’s xAI. Its CEO and co-founder Dario Amodei was an industry fixture but hardly a household name outside of Silicon Valley, and its chatbot Claude lagged in popularity behind ChatGPT.That perception has shifted as Anthropic has become the central actor in a high-profile fight with the Department of Defense over the company’s refusal to allow Claude to be used for domestic mass surveillance and autonomous weapons systems that can kill people without human input. Amid tense negotiations, the AI firm rejected a Pentagon deadline for a deal last week, in a move that led Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, to accuse Anthropic of “arrogance and betrayal” of its home country while demanding that any companies that work with the US government cease all business with the AI firm. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Asia governments to cap fuel prices as oil costs jump
The price of crude has surged above $100 on concerns about shortages due to supply disruptions.
theguardian.com
How the ‘Galápagos of west Africa’ is plundered by floating fish factories
A Guardian investigation with DeSmog reveals thousands of tonnes of fish are illegally turned into fishmeal and oil off the coast of Guinea-BissauThe only ice factory on Bubaque, an island in west Africa’s Guinea-Bissau, is out of service. Local fishers, such as Pedro Luis Pereira, are forced to source ice from factories on the mainland, about 70km away – a six-hour round trip by boat.“The machines have been broken for months,” Pereira says, as he pulls in his nets on the shore of the island inside the protected Bijagós archipelago. “We’ve alerted the ministry of fisheries, but so far, no one has come to fix them.”Foreign industrial vessels anchored near the port of Bissau. Photograph: Davide Mancini Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Travelodge turned away vulnerable women late at night
They were far from home but it refused to let them stay without specific ID to prove they were over 18My disabled 22-year-old daughter and her 20-year-old sister were turned away late at night by Travelodge Cambridge Orchard Park because staff would not accept that they were over 18. Their rail and student cards showing their dates of birth were not accepted.I called the hotel and offered to scan their passports but this was refused as well. The customer service helpline was similarly unhelpful. By then it was nearly 10pm and they had nowhere else to go. The 22-year-old is autistic and when she goes anywhere we always have to have her itinerary pre-planned and someone to be with her. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Spain's migrants welcome amnesty: 'It will help us in every way'
Madrid cites humanitarian and economic reasons to give undocumented workers legal status.
cnbc.com
Iran names Ayatollah Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, as new supreme leader: Media reports
Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates report more strikes on civilian targets as U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran continue.
theguardian.com
The Guardian view on EV charging: China took the right lessons from Britain’s past | Editorial
Megawatt fast EV charging reflects a coordinated grid strategy the UK once used. Privatisation and fragmentation now make that infrastructure far harder to buildThe future of electric cars arrived this week in China. The world’s biggest car seller, BYD, unveiled a new battery giving its latest electric models more than 600 miles of range. Remarkably, the Chinese motor-maker said 250 miles of range could be injected into its new batteries in just five minutes. If true, the last remaining advantages of petrol cars – long range and quick refuelling – are beginning to disappear.But such technology requires megawatt charging points. A single charger can draw as much power as a small town in Britain. BYD’s system relies on chargers delivering around 1.5 megawatts of electricity – more than four times the fastest chargers in the UK. China is moving fast, planning thousands of megawatt charging stations within two years.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘People are thinking twice’: Cyprus feels the effect of the Iran war on tourism
No country in Europe is likely to be affected more than Cyprus, the nearest EU member to the Middle EastThe season has barely begun but Ayia Napa is beginning to feel the pulse. Tourists are trickling back, enjoying the Cypriot resort’s sunsets, eateries and shoreline views.On the seafront, Vassilis Georgiou is busy overseeing the construction of a new ramp for the jetskis that are a highlight of his water sports business. Last year, more than 500,000 holidaymakers visited the beachside booth, snapping up tickets for the boat cruises and parasailing also on offer. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
UK must be prepared for a price shock from the Iran war | Heather Stewart
Governments are having to wake up to the fact they will have to take a closer interest in supply chains for essentialsOil prices ‘could breach $100 a barrel within days’ amid supply disruption from Iran warDonald Trump’s assault on Iran and the deadly conflict it has unleashed is grim and unprecedented – but there is a familiarity to its economic consequences: brace yourself for another price shock.From the Covid shutdown and subsequent reopening to Russian tanks rolling into Ukraine, the global economy has been rocked by one cost surge after another. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Current and former Block workers say AI can’t do their jobs after Jack Dorsey’s mass layoffs: ‘You can’t really AI that’
The CEO said he cut the company’s workforce by 4,000 people – almost in half – because of gains in AI productivityMark remembers the first time he wondered whether he was teaching Block’s AI tools how to do his job – and maybe even replace him. He was at his fintech company’s extravagant anniversary party last September. As executives led a presentation on the productivity benefits of a new internal AI tool, Mark, who worked in the product department, discussed his worries with colleagues. While he wasn’t sure what would happen in a few years, he told a co-worker sitting next to him that for now, there was no way the technology was so advanced that it could move the business forward without employees like him to help drive vision and strategy.These AI tools were not proactive. He had to tell them what to do. Block still needed him, he thought. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
Tehran oil sites on fire as Iran exchanges strikes with Israel and US – video report
A huge column of fire and smoke could be seen rising from an oil depot in the Iranian capital in video shared on social media.Footage from central Tehran shows fires across the skyline as the US and Israel hit five oil facilities in overnight strikes in and near the city, an official told state TV.A fresh wave of Iranian strikes hit the Gulf on Sunday, with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait all reporting attacksMiddle East crisis: latest updates Continue reading...
theguardian.com
The £49 ‘driller killer’: steps to avoid locksmith scams
Rogue operators draw in customers by advertising low prices, but when the work is done they invoice 10 times that sumLate on a Sunday night, you put your key into the front door and it snaps when you turn it. Unable to get in, you search online for an emergency locksmith and find one advertising a willingness to do the job for £69. You call it out.When the locksmith arrives, they ask no questions, drills through the lock within minutes and replaces the fixture. You are then given a bill for more than £700 with an invoice detailing a breakdown of the costs – all in excess of the original quote. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
‘Mainly, you fast fooded’: Monzo under fire over ‘shaming’ year-end reviews
Bank criticised for tone of spending summaries, with one user complaining to ombudsman over ‘humiliating’ use of dataWhen does lighthearted banter become inappropriate and humiliating?The digital bank Monzo has been accused of overstepping the mark by using the data it holds to tell one customer with a past eating disorder that she eats a lot of fast food, spends “more than most” on Just Eat takeaways, and had banished her life goals thanks to her spending choices. Continue reading...
bbc.com
Emirates resumes some Dubai flights – what's the latest on travel to UK?
New flights to the UK from the Middle East follow days of widespread air travel disruption since late February which has left many Britons stranded.
bbc.com
There’s an inflation wave coming - what does the Iran war mean for the UK economy?
Economic consequences are an intrinsic aspect of the Iran conflict, writes BBC economics editor Faisal Islam.
bbc.com
Oil price at two-year high after Qatar warns all Gulf production could stop within days
Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi says oil could hit $150 a barrel if the Iran conflict continues over the coming weeks.
bbc.com
London mayor courts embattled AI firm Anthropic
The letter from London's mayor came as the US moved to designate the company a supply chain risk.
bbc.com
Flight paths squeezed as Iran conflict closes more airspace
A drone attack on Azerbaijan has narrowed choices for airlines scrambling to respond to disruption in the Gulf.
bbc.com
Axel Springer agrees to buy Telegraph Media Group in £575m deal
Last year the Daily Mail and General Trust proposed to buy the company in a £500m takeover.
bbc.com
Surge in jet fuel prices could push up air fares, analysts warn
Disruption to supplies from the Gulf due to the Middle East conflict has pushed the cost up by more than 80%.
bbc.com
US economy unexpectedly sheds 92,000 jobs in February
The contraction came as a surprise with payrolls down in nearly every sector.
bbc.co.uk
What in the World
Iran says it has closed the vital shipping channel to global trade.
bbc.com
Price of first class stamps to rise to £1.80
Royal Mail says the increase reflects the rise in delivery costs, but the move angers consumer groups.
bbc.com
Lenders lift mortgage rates as Iran war hits borrowing costs
Nationwide, HSBC and Coventry Building Society are all putting some mortgage rates up.
bbc.com
US eases sanctions on Russian oil sales to India during Iran conflict
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent gives India a 30-day waiver to buy Russian crude as a "stop gap measure".
bbc.com
Can snacks help you sleep?
Chocolates, bars, gummies and drinks promise to help you sleep, but is the science behind them sound?
bbc.com
One in 7 shops in UK has turned cashless in the past year, survey finds
Some 14% of small High Street traders have gone card only in the last year, a survey suggests.
bbc.com
We have more privacy controls yet less privacy than ever
Has online privacy become "a luxury not a right" for us all in 2026?
bbc.com
Wales' richest man says Britain is 'uncomfortable place' for Jews
The billionaire says "anti-semitism is always in the air" with parallels to the persecution his ancestors faced.
bbc.com
Know when to fold them: the tech inspired by origami
Origami techniques can add strength to structures without adding bulk.
bbc.com
Deepfake attack: 'Many people could have been cheated'
The boss of the Bombay Stock Exchange was recently targeted in what is a growing global problem.
bbc.co.uk
Edible Economics by Ha-Joon Chang (Omnibus)
Professor Ha-Joon Chang, “a hungry economist” explores why economics matters.
bbc.com
Why you should consider fixing your energy tariff now
Martin Lewis explains what the upcoming change to the energy price cap means for your bills.
bbc.com
Why you can't get a signal at festivals and sports matches
Connecting up music and sports events to the internet is a massive undertaking.
bbc.com
'Is this all bad debt or good debt?'
Karen has not only left the family in emotional turmoil but also in serious debt.
bbc.com
The family-owned soda firm that still uses returnable glass bottles
Soft drinks company Twig's Beverage has a loyal following for its old-fashioned approach.
cnbc.com
Register now: Applications open for the World's Top Fintech Companies 2026
CNBC and Statista chart the top fintech players from around the world, ranging from startups to Big Tech names.
bbc.com
Orbital space race heats up in Arctic north
Europe lags far behind the US and China in orbital space launches, but new facilities are opening up.
bbc.com
Are you cut out for living and working in Antarctica?
Jobs are available on the icy continent for chefs, plumbers, carpenters and even hairdressers.
bbc.com
How do you modernise mango farming?
India's mango farmers are being urged to innovate as climate change makes cultivation "unpredictable".
bbc.com
The two farms in Senegal that supply many of the UK's vegetables
During winter in Britain fresh produce is sent by cargo ship from the West African nation every week.
bbc.com
Reddit's human content wins amid the AI flood
Reddit says its human contributors are valued amid an internet awash with AI-generated content.
bbc.com
Trump eyes Venezuela visit – but obstacles to his oil plan remain
The US president wants American energy firms to start extracting the crude but they are reluctant.
bbc.com
The US economy is growing - so where are all the jobs?
As hiring rates and job openings drop, some worry a tough job market could be here to stay.
bbc.com
Get a grip: Robotics firms struggle to develop hands
Developing a durable and affordable hand is one of the biggest challenges in robotics.
bbc.com
Who is billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe and how did he make his money?
The industrialist and Manchester United co-owner has apologised over comments he made about immigration.
bbc.com
The Dutch love four-day working weeks, but are they sustainable?
The Netherlands has the lowest working hours in Europe, but some say it is harming its economy.
bbc.com
Why food fraud persists, even with improving tech
Even with sophisticated technology it is still difficult to detect fake foods.
bbc.com
The real impact of roadworks on the country - and why they're set to get worse
There is a fine balance between the benefits of improved infrastructure, versus the cost of disruption. Does the country have it right?
bbc.com
Why the railways often seem to be in such chaos over Christmas
Parts of Britain’s rail network will close for engineering work over the festive period - but is that the right time to do it?
bbc.com
Budget 2025: What's the best and worst that could happen for Labour?
Three days in, after a tax U-turn and partial climbdown on workers' rights, Laura Kuenssberg looks at what impact Budget week might have.
bbc.com
Has Britain's budget watchdog become too all-powerful?
Ahead of this week's Budget, some have accused the Office for Budget Responsibility of being a "straitjacket on growth"
bbc.com
The curious case of why Poundland is struggling during a cost-of-living crisis
Why - in an age where so many of us are feeling the financial pinch - are some budget shops on UK high streets having such a tough time?
💬 Comments